Feb 2008 - Krystin Trampoline

Jan 2008 - Snow Day / Sick Day

Sunday, Jan 6 started out to be a good day. (Although Dan wasn't feeling well. He still was not fully over the bug that got him New Years Eve) Anyway, the kids and I decided to to play in the snow just before supper.

They all wanted me to make them a snowball.

Krystin made a funny face everytime I pretended to throw it at her.

A short while after coming in, Krystin just had to try on Dad's gloves and Mom's boots.

But that is where the fun stopped. Just before supper (left over chicken noodle) Kaylin started complaining that her tummy hurt. (Britt thought hers was a bit off and was hoping maybe they just a touch of upset stomache). Then as we sit down (Minus Dad who by this time was throwing up and diareahal) everyone (including Mom) decides supper doesn't sound so good. So knowing that at this point I am as good as a lone parent I decide to QUICKLY get everyone ready for bed and round up buckets for every bedside.

It was a good thing I did. Britt and Kaylin were the first to throw up at approximately 6:10. Followed roughly 15 minutes later by Ethan. (Oh yah - Krystin had been sick a few nights prior - so she was OK, but her tummy had been diareahal upset). Anyway, Britt, Ethan, and Kaylin alternated throwing up until roughly 4:oo am. Dan meanwhile was hogging the master bath toilet/waste basket.

Anyhow - even though it was an AWEFUL experience, I could really sense God's presence. Even though it was rough losing sleep at night, at least that way Krystin slept and I didn't have to worry about entertaining her. Also, in between puking, the kids went right back to sleep (rather than just be awake feeling miserable). Also, no child and Britt ever threw up at the same time - so Britt was able to be there for every child's puking and no kids' bathroom toilet sharing had to go on.

Fortunately no one threw up the following day.

I will try and write an even further detailed account the next time we puke! :)

Below is the resulting laundry from a night of 4 puking people. (2 of whom didn't always have great aim --- no, not Dan and Britt :)

Jan 2008 - Snow Fort

On Tuesday, Jan 9, we got more snow.

(It looked like we brought the snow back with us from Iowa)

What to do with snow that actually covers the ground?

We decided to build a snow fort.

(BTW - be sure to check out the "boys only fort" video a few postings down)

Making Tracks

I know it looks like I just watched the kids, but I believe I built most of the fort ;)

Krystin tired of building a fort

The aftermath

Ahhh. What trip out into the snow is complete without hot chocolate?

Good Friends having a cup of chocolate :)

Jan 2008 - Dad gone to China

Jan 11 - Jan 17 Dan was gone to China for a business trip.

The picture below was taken on Friday, Jan 11th as the girls watched....... no, not Dad leave (he left very early) ..... they are watching the garbage truck :)

While Dad was away, the Mom and children played.

(It makes the lonely days and nights without him go by faster)

Friday night, we watched Stanley the Stinkbug (Max Lucado) and had mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Saturday we went to the kids' first movie theater experience.

With our good friend's the Kropfs, we went to Veggie Tales "Pirates Who Don't Do Anything".

They all 3 enjoyed it.

Did I mention that while Dad is away, Mom and the kids play?

In general, we did lots of eating out, movies with treats in the bonus room, and getting together with friends.

But we were all super excited to see Dan finally get home on Thursday early evening.

Below, the kids are waiting to see what Dad brought them.

It was the 5 Beijing Olympic Figures called the "Foo-wah".

Jan 2008 - MISC

1/18/08

Ethan finally has a real mattress :)

1/21/08

1/26/08

My little dress up girl

(a more summer-y look this time)

1/30/08

One of the kid's favorite games right now: I Spy Bingo

(Krystin: "I bye be-go")

1/30/08

Guess who?.

.

.

Krystin!

For a little while now she has declared herself too big for a booster :)

Jan 2008 - Yet More Snow

On Wednesday, January 30th, we awoke to even more snow. Since we were watching a neighbor's house at the time, I was going to shovel his driveway. This provided a great opportunity for a large mound of snow. (For our neck of the woods). Anyway, we ended up making the pile into a snow slide.